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New Law Will Affect Washington County

Last week, Governor Terry Branstad signed into law a bill related to enhanced 911 emergency communication systems. For most counties in the state, this will mean more income however here in Washington County this new law will have an adverse affect. Cara Sorrels, from the Washington County Safety Center says this is in part because we have a $1.50 alternative surcharge that has been voted in for quite some time.

She adds this new law has taken away the ability to have the surcharge to be on the ballot this fall which could cost the county fifty-thousand dollars. This loss would effect emergency equipment, rural addressing and the delivery of a 911 call. Sorrels says this financial loss will not affect any of the services being offered in the county.